ANV uniform for 150th sharpsburg

[Griebz]

Hey all,

I know I spoke of this earlier but I want some final opinions on what is acceptable for the ANV as far as uniforms for the 150th sharpsburg . Frock coat... Butternut trousers.. Jean trousers .. Sloutch or Kepi ? I know it should be a ragged look.. But since I have a few uniforms .. None are too raggedy . Any ideas on what would make a good impression ?

Regards

Peter Griebel

[S.D.Swart]

RN1 Jacket with black tape. Frock coat, Comuntation Jacket, civilian sack coat, civilian, or jean trousers. Slouch hat. All would fit fine.

First and foremost DIRTY. REALY DIRTY. These fellows have been on the campaign for months and months with no rest. If you do not have ragged, at least you can have dirty.

Shawn

[hiplainsyank]

I've seen this discussion for years, but it's hard to make a uniform look dirty without making it look fake. Not to mention additional wear and tear on uniforms people spends hundreds on, just to make them look dirtier...

Is there really a way to get reenacting clothing dirty that looks realistic and doesn't shorten its lifespan?

[biggumbo]

Your choice of uniform should be dictated by the unit you are portraying. Hopefully you already have this info since we are almost within a month of the event. If it is a general look, then Mr. Swart has already addressed that is good summary. Read period reports and documents as available. For battlefield recounts, Mr. Priest's 'Before Antietam - The Battle for South Moutain' is very detailed and documented to give a general guidance on the ANV in the Maryland Campaign.

If you want to have your uniform look broken it, well, the best advice is to just wear it. I don't mean that to sound trite, but wearing it in the sun, the rain, the muck, the dust, and every other hardship is what was expected of a uniform jacket, trousers, and cap or hat. Put it on for yardwork, cutting wood, walking the dogs, or any other activity that gets it in the dirt, the sun, the rain, or any other elements is the very best thing you can do.

Nothing like aging it that just, well, aging it.

Travis

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Your choice of uniform should be dictated by the unit you are portraying. Hopefully you already have this info since we are almost within a month of the event. If it is a general look, then Mr. Swart has already addressed that is good summary. Read period reports and documents as available. For battlefield recounts, Mr. Priest's 'Before Antietam - The Battle for South Moutain' is very detailed and documented to give a general guidance on the ANV in the Maryland Campaign.

If you want to have your uniform look broken it, well, the best advice is to just wear it. I don't mean that to sound trite, but wearing it in the sun, the rain, the muck, the dust, and every other hardship is what was expected of a uniform jacket, trousers, and cap or hat. Put it on for yardwork, cutting wood, walking the dogs, or any other activity that gets it in the dirt, the sun, the rain, or any other elements is the very best thing you can do.

Nothing like aging it that just, well, aging it.

Travis

Just thought I'd reinforce this statement....

[Griebz]

Thanks..i appreciate the feedback. My unit actually fought at the battle, i dont have much information as to there uniforms at this point in the war so i wanted to try and fit a general impression as to what should be expected

Regards

Peter Griebel

[Tarky]

READ MY BOOK-- "Cadet Gray and Butternut Brown"-- I cover Antietam in the book--

Tarky
Tom Arliskas

[Provost-ADC]

There are many artificial means to age a uniform, but they produce a Farby look with poor wear patterns.

The best way to achieve the worn look quickly is by attending some of the more vigorous marching events that take up a week of time. Banks Grand Retreat, Into the Piney Woods, and In The Van come to mind, as well as the upcoming Sixth Corps March. There are also some men doing long distance weekend marches on the B&O canal path.

[Part Time Patriot]

Also, check the Library of Congress website. Many of the Antietam dead confederates are in a high resoultion. Most of the uniforms are not as ragged as described. Dirty perhaps, but not ragged.


Bill

[Nighthawk]

Two great pieces of advice here, read Tom's book, Cadet Grey and Butternut Brown, and wear your uniform as much as possible.